Pattern Approval

Pattern approval is the process whereby an impartial body examines the pattern (design) of an instrument prototype against a published national standard. This determines whether an instrument is capable of retaining its calibration over a range of environmental and operating conditions and ensures that the instrument is not capable of facilitating fraud. It is a means of determining the quality of the instrument.

Pattern approval (in other countries this is sometimes called 'type approval') is mandatory for measuring instruments used for trade in Australia. The National Measurement Institute (NMI) evaluates measuring instruments to check they meet specific Australian standards. When an instrument is successfully submitted for approval, that particular pattern or type is approved and a certificate of approval is issued.

The pattern approval certificate permits the measuring instrument to be verified and then used for trade, or other legal purposes.

The pattern approval examination process to test the pattern or design of an instrument involves:

performance testing to ensure that the instrument performs as intended (i.e. to within allowable maximum permissible errors) over a range of environmental and usage conditions specified in the requirements.

Here are the steps commonly associated with the pattern approval process conducted by NMI.

We can also issue OIML certificates of conformity to assist with international approval. These certificates are accompanied by a test report, and state that the instrument evaluated complies with the requirements of an OIML recommendation for patterns of instruments in use for trade. We issue OIML certificates for:

If pattern approval for a measuring instrument has been issued in another country, NMI can accept certain test results (please note that we do not normally accept manufacturer's test results). To allow us to determine acceptability we require:

Certificate of approval (if applicable).

Documentation folder (if applicable).

Full detailed test report including test results.

Details of the laboratory where the testing was carried out, if not part of a formal mutual acceptance agreement, including its ISO 17025 certificate of accreditation.

NMI has mutual acceptance agreements with:

National Weights and Measures Laboratory in the United Kingdom, on the mutual acceptance of test reports for load cells, non-automatic weighing instruments and fuel dispensers (excluding liquefied petroleum gas)

Once you are familiar with the requirements associated with your measuring instrument, collate all the documents, including for example; details of the instrument, model number, capacities, operator manuals, technical manuals, circuit diagrams, board layout diagrams, parts lists and mechanical overview (exploded views), and proposed sealing method/s and nameplate layouts.

We recommend you then complete the pattern approval checklist. Your application will still be processed without this but filling it in may reduce the time (and fees) required to carry out the assessment.

When we receive your application we will despatch an acknowledgement email, advising that your application has been prepared for assessment.

Please note, NMI usually requires the instrument to be submitted, although site visits are possible for large instruments.

An initial assessment is carried out to determine that all relevant information (see step 2) and a suitable sample instrument (if requested by NMI) have been supplied, to enable the full pattern approval assessment/evaluation/testing to begin.

If the full the assessment is successful, NMI will issue a certificate of approval, which contains a pattern approval number.

Production instruments must be:

constructed as described in the documentation lodged with NMI, the certificate of approval and the technical schedule

marked with the pattern approval number

verified prior to use for trade.

NMI requires certificates of approval to be reviewed every five years to ensure compliance with current legislative and technical requirements. Certificates include a date at which the review becomes due (approximately 5 years after the pattern is approved) but the approval remains valid even after the review date has been reached.

General Certificates

If such a device is being supplied to third parties with your instrument, you must ensure that it complies with the relevant general certificates and is marked appropriately.

Auxiliary devices are not required to be assessed for pattern approval.

Other Regulations

Information about requirements such as the installation of a measuring instrument, or what accuracy class can be used for a particular application e.g. approaches for weighbridges and licensing for public weighbridges can be found under the Trade Measurement section of our website.

Special Clauses

Some Certificates of Approval include special clauses which may require additional action, such as advising NMI of instrument locations or providing copies of test results.

Changes to Certificates

If you make any changes to the design of the instrument after the certificate of approval is issued, you are required to notify NMI. Changes may require a variant to be added, or other amendment made, to the certificate.

You must also notify NMI if your company or contact details change.

Reviews

Certificates are normally required to be reviewed every five years. The review date is included on the Certificate of Approval. You will need to send an application when your certificate is due for review. The approval remains valid even after the review date has been reached.

Specific Exemptions

Australian law requires that every measuring instrument used for trade in Australia is pattern approved by NMI’s chief metrologist (scientist). Specific exemptions from the requirements may be applied, otherwise it is an offence to sell or use a measuring instrument for trade purposes in Australia that does not have an Australian certificate of approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Who can mark my pattern approval number on an instrument?

Only the submitter, or somebody authorised by them, may mark an instrument with the pattern approval number.

Q2. If I have an instrument approved for legal use only, can it be used for trade?

No. Some measuring instruments have been approved for legal use only, e.g. some weighing instruments. These instruments cannot be used for trade because they may have been assessed against different criteria and have different controls around their use.

Q3. Where can I find someone to verify my measuring instrument?

To find a servicing licensee to verify a measuring instrument, you can send an email to the Trade Measurement Licensing Team at tmlicensees@measurement.gov.au. Please include your location and the type of instrument you wish to have verified. NMI will provide details of servicing licensees in your area who may be able to help. NMI is not able to recommend specific service providers.

The department acknowledges the traditional owners of the country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to them and their cultures and to the elders past and present.